Ara to Bodh Gaya
Distance, real road route and a tentative fare estimate for travelling from Ara, Bihar to Bodh Gaya, Bihar.
Tentative Fare Estimate
Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST
Tentative estimate only, based on typical Indian public-transport tariffs (state transport bus fares, IRCTC sleeper/AC class rates, standard outstation taxi per-km rates) — not a live quote from any operator.
Route Map
By Car: Ara to Bodh Gaya
131 km · ~2h 37m · About 3h of driving, plus stops.
- Start from Ara
An early start keeps you ahead of city and highway traffic.
131 km · 2h 37m drive from previous stop
Arrive in Bodh GayaBodh Gaya, Bihar
Stops are typical for this road, not a fixed itinerary. Timings assume about 50 km/h on average — traffic, tolls and road conditions vary.
By Bus: Ara to Bodh Gaya
131 km · ~2h 55m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.
- Board at Ara
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Ara. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
- Ara → Bodh Gaya
Non-AC or AC Seater · ~131 km
~2h 55m|Tentative fare ₹140–₹420
- Arrive in Bodh Gaya
Bodh Gaya, Bihar
Halts and change points are typical for this route, not a specific operator’s schedule — check live availability and timings when booking.
By Train: Ara to Bodh Gaya
Nearest railway stations: Ara for Ara, Gaya Jn for Bodh Gaya.
No direct train found — best options with a change
1 change · 4h 52m in total
Change trains at Patna Jn — about 1h 25m wait
1 change · 7h 44m in total
Change trains at Patna Jn — about 4h 15m wait
1 change · 7h 54m in total
Change trains at Mughal Sarai Jn — about 3h wait
Waits assume each train runs daily — the timetable data has no running days, so check the days for every train before you plan a change.
Train details come from a 2015 railway timetable snapshot — newer trains, changed timings and running days are not included, so confirm on IRCTC before you plan around a train.
Ara to Bodh Gaya: Route & Travel Options
Route overview
Ara to Bodh Gaya is about 131 km by road, roughly 2.6 hours of travel time.
Tentative fare estimate
Approximate fares for about 131 km, estimated from typical Indian per-km tariffs — not a live quote from any operator.
- Car / Taxi: Swift Dzire ₹5,855 · Ertiga ₹7,430 · Innova ₹7,745 · Innova Crysta ₹9,570 · Tempo Traveller (12) ₹13,100
- Bus: Non-AC Seater ₹140 · AC Seater ₹240 · Non-AC Sleeper ₹210 · AC Sleeper ₹300 · Volvo / Multi-Axle ₹420
- Train: Sleeper ₹110 · Economy ₹160 · Third AC ₹210 · Second AC ₹290 · First AC ₹400
Tentative estimates only — actual fares vary by operator, season, class and how early you book.
Want the full Bodh Gaya guide?
Attractions, itineraries, temples and travel tips for Bodh Gaya.
Stops & Places Along the Route
Good places to break the journey from Ara to Bodh Gaya. Distances are approximate; the road you take may pass a little away from some of them.
- Gaya120 km from Ara
Hotels in Bodh Gaya
Comfortable 3-star stays in Bodh Gaya. Tell us your dates and we'll get you a rate.
3 Star Hotel
Bodh Gaya
Things to Do in Bodh Gaya
Explore the Mahabodhi Temple Complex
Spend time in the main temple, admire the 5th-century architecture, and see the gilded Buddha statue. The complex includes the Bodhi Tree, Vajrasana, and the seven…
2-3 hours
Meditate under the Bodhi Tree
Join pilgrims and monks in silent meditation beneath the sacred tree, the descendant of the original. The atmosphere is deeply peaceful and contemplative.
1-2 hours
Visit the Great Buddha Statue
See the 80-foot statue consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 1989, located in a park with manicured gardens. It is one of the largest Buddha statues in India.
30-45 minutes
Tour the International Monasteries
Visit the Thai Monastery with its golden temple, the Tibetan Monastery with its prayer wheels, and the Japanese and Bhutanese temples to see diverse architectural styles.
2-3 hours
Attend Evening Prayers and Light Offerings
At dusk, the temple complex comes alive with monks chanting and pilgrims lighting butter lamps. This is a moving experience not to be missed.
1 hour
Walk the Saptasthana (Seven Sacred Sites)
Follow the path of the Buddha's seven weeks after enlightenment, including the Animeshlochan Chaitya, the Jewel Walk, and the Lotus Pond (Muchalinda Lake).
1-2 hours
Suggested Bodh Gaya Itinerary
Day 1Arrival & Introduction to the Sacred Site
- Check-in at the Root Institute for Wisdom Culture or Thai Monastery for your meditation course.
- Guided walk through the Mahabodhi Temple Complex: see the Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree, Vajrasana, and the Animeshlochan Chaitya.
- Attend introductory meditation instruction and evening chanting at the temple.
Day 2Meditation Retreat & Exploring the International Monasteries
- Morning meditation sessions (breathing and insight meditation) at the Root Institute or Karma Temple.
- Midday break: visit the 80-foot Great Buddha Statue (consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 1989).
- Afternoon walk to the Thai Monastery, Bhutanese Monastery, Japanese Temple, and the Vietnamese Phat Quoc Tu.
Day 3Final Sessions & Reflection at the Lotus Pond
- Final meditation session and closing ceremony at the retreat center.
- Visit the Muchalinda Lake (Lotus Pond) and the Saptasthana sites within the temple complex.
- Explore the Bodh Gaya Archaeological Museum (if time permits) to see artifacts from Ashoka's era.
Extend Your Trip
Add a nearby place to your Bodh Gaya trip and see the full Ara → Bodh Gaya → next stop route.
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